Sept. 15, 2014

MADISON, Wis. -- Long after lifting the Heisman trophy in 1999, Ron Dayne is back at UW-Madison hoping to make a bigger impact than ever — off the field.

Dayne is taking a starring role in launching a new program in conjunction with Badgers Give Back called the Community Champions program, which seeks to identify and recognize local community members who are making a positive impact in the community through extensive volunteerism and giving.

For Dayne, the program is a welcomed chance to give back to the community.

“My time at the University of Wisconsin had a great impact on me,” said Dayne, college football’s all-time leading rusher. “The opportunities I’ve had to give back to the community helped me grow as an individual and feel at home in Wisconsin. The fans and community have welcomed me from the very beginning and there have been so many people that have been supportive of me throughout the years. The Community Champions program is a small token of my appreciation for all of the support I have received.”

One person will be selected each month to be recognized as a community champion. The winners will be shown introduced at a Badger home game at either Camp Randall Stadium or the Kohl Center. They will also receive four complimentary tickets to the event they’re being honored at, a commemorative plaque for their accomplishments, a private tour of Camp Randall Stadium and a photo and dinner with Dayne.

“We here at Wisconsin Athletics know that our fans are extensively involved in the community and it is something we are extremely proud of,” said Kayla Gross, UW’s Community Relations Coordinator. “We’re excited about the opportunity this program provides to acknowledge the difference-makers in our community and thank them for the contributions.”

UW Athletics is now accepting nominations for the Community Champions program. Click here for more information or to submit a nomination.